Mark

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

In Morocco heading down to Mauritania and Senegal (as I did last winter). From Southern Senegal, I hope to find a route and projects to proceed further south (Mali, Sierra Leone, etc)

Description

I am curious about the world and it's diversity of cultures. As a documentary filmmaker, photographer and collector of cultural heritage; dicovering and transmitting traditiona, sustainable knowledge makes me happy. I find satisfaction in the simplicity of good things and in meeting people who choose their own path to happiness.

My ex-partner and I left the countryside of Austria 5 years ago to live nomadicly. We made our own home in our van while we travelling, using natural materials and embracing the possibilities of the moment.

During our trip we record the intangible cultural heritage of coastal, traditional and rural communities. Our way of understanding and learning about them, is to become part of the way of life for a longer period of time. We believe that empathy can be created by living (not observing) somebody's way of life. Sophie is no longer my life partner, has stayed in a village that adopted her and we continue to walk the same path as good friends.

I, known as Abou to most, have lived and worked in over 48 countries and can tell stories from all of them. The question "where are you from?" I will answer differently everytime, it does not really mean anything to me. As diverse as my background is my cooking (Moroccan Tagine, Italian Ragu, Lebanese Kebab...), my knowledge of languages and his wisdom about being human in this moment.

Interests

Videography

Sustainability

Self development

Movies & TV

Farming

Culture

Charity work

Music

Books

Languages

Photography

Writing

Carpentry

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Nature

Camping

Sailing / Boating

Mountain

Hiking

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
French: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Animal Care

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Helping around the house

Teaching

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Hospitality/Tourism

Languages

Art Projects

More details about your skills

Sophie: I know about cultivating a vegetable garden, medicinal herbs from my home country (Austria), mushrooms and other wild eatable plants, I am used to planning my gardening with the moon phase calendar. I love cooking and know how to make jams. I grew up as a dancer, therefore skinny but strong :) and can teach dance and yoga, often mixing different practices. I can help out with various artisan crafts, gifted hands for detailed and precise work. I am calm around animals and like to care for them.

Mark: I have lived in Tuscany for 20 years. I had my own small olive oil production and love the process of harvesting and taking care of the trees. I am in great shape since I regularly do gardening and handy work around the house / van. I used to fix up villas in Tuscany working with the local artisans who taught me many practical skills. I also am an experienced chef and love cooking for people. I used to have big Italian sheepdogs and have a special connection with goats.

Age

63

What else ...

I like to maintain a balance between hard work and enjoying whatever I encounter. I love gardening, dancing, cooking, and you may find me inventing silly songs and sing out loud spontaneously. I often spend evenings talking about the world, philosophy, love, the universe, music, quantum physics, and being in the moment. Sharing and exchanging stories with people about their life experiences is one of my favourite things to do.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  lactose intolerance, do not drink alcohol

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  Special dietary requirements
  lactose intolerance - we usually find a way to cook our own meals or avoid these ingredients